Native Village editors, Valerie Crow and
Gina Boltz, were honored to attend early birthday celebrations for
Miracle, the Sacred White Buffalo. Miracle, who celebrated her 7th
birthday August 20, lives in Janesville, Wisconsin and is cared for by Dave
and Valerie Heider. The Heiders have refused millions of dollars for the
purchase of Miracle. Instead, they work their farm, hold down full-time jobs,
and open their land daily to Miracle's visitors. What an honor to meet
these good people and their family.

Events began Sunday, August 19 with greetings and ceremony by a
traditional man from Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
(We carried with us the birthday book containing your birthday messages
and the list of signatures on Miracle's wreath.) Miracle
joined us at first. Her gentle brown eyes circled the crowd, then she left
to join her partner, JYDB, in a shady corner of the pasture.

We arrived in
Wisconsin late Saturday afternoon to see a rainbow arching
over Miracle's pasture area.

The words of ceremony centered on the importance of women among the People. It was said that men's piercing at Sundance was as close as men can come to feeling women's childbirth pain. It was also said that when women begin piercing at Sundance, that it marks a time in prophecy. A time when women will bring the people back together again. A hand drum was played in honor of Ingrid Washinawatok, a female spiritual warrior, and a song sung to the four directions.

Over 400 Native Village
readers and friends added their signatures to Miracle's birthday
wreath.

Following the ceremony, we shared a feast, then handed your
birthday book to Valerie Heider. She and her husband extend their thanks
and gratitude to all of you. The message book and birthday wreath
will be kept in the little museum near Miracle's pasture.

After saying good-bye to Miracle, the Heiders, and the many good people
attending the events, we packed the van and headed home to our jobs.
Birthday celebrations for Miracle continued into the following day.

A
great big "Megwich" to Miracle's Webmistress, Stephanie
Schwartz, for her help in making our trip and Miracle's birthday
gift possible. Please visit Stephanie's official website for Miracle, the
Sacred White Buffalo, to learn more about Miracle, her background,
and her importance to the world's People.

NATIVE VILLAGE website was
created for youth, educators, families, and friends who wish to celebrate the
rich, diverse cultures of The Americas' First Peoples. Each week we offer
readers two current events publications: NATIVE VILLAGE Drum and NATIVE VILLAGE
Youth and Education News. Each issue summarizes current happenings in
Indian country and is written in an easy-to-read format. NATIVE VILLAGE
also houses additional resources and information to enrich all lives on Turtle
Island. Please visit, and sign up for our update reminders. We are
always glad to make new friends!